
We’re here to help you with any questions you might have about GILENYA or the generic versions of GILENYA. If you have any additional questions about GILENYA or what the generics may mean for you, reach out to your health care professional, insurance company, or pharmacy for more information.

We’re here to help you with any questions you might have about GILENYA or the generic versions of GILENYA. If you have any additional questions about GILENYA or what the generics may mean for you, reach out to your health care professional, insurance company, or pharmacy for more information.
GILENYA & generic fingolimod
Is GILENYA now available as a generic?
Yes. The GILENYA brand of fingolimod has reached the end of its patent exclusivity period. This means that generic fingolimod options are now available for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).


Now is a great time to talk with your doctor about how you are doing and how your current treatment is effectively managing your RMS.
In addition to GILENYA, Novartis is proud to offer another treatment option for adults with RMS.
This option includes:
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Proven safety and effectiveness
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Quick onboarding and support to help you get started
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Services you’ve come to expect




I’m taking branded GILENYA. What does it mean for me now that generics are available?
Now that generic fingolimod is available, this could mean:
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Your insurance company or pharmacy may switch you to a generic
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The medication you receive may look different from GILENYA or come in different packaging
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Generic fingolimod is not made by Novartis and won’t come with the assistance and support from Novartis that you may currently receive
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Your out-of-pocket costs may be affected, and financial support from the GILENYA Prescription Co-pay Support Program will no longer be available to you


What is the difference between GILENYA and generic fingolimod?
The FDA approval for generic fingolimod, the active ingredient in GILENYA, is based on comparability to GILENYA in quality and efficacy.


What does the introduction of generic fingolimod mean for my child?
Like GILENYA, generic fingolimod is also approved for treatment of children 10 to 17 years of age. If your child is taking GILENYA, please contact your health care professional to find out how this change may impact your child’s treatment and what treatment option is most safe and effective for them.


How will my cost and coverage for branded GILENYA change now that generics are available?
Coverage will vary depending on your insurance plan. This will determine your out-of-pocket costs. Your insurance company or pharmacy may require you to switch to generic fingolimod. Unfortunately, you will no longer be eligible for co-pay assistance from Novartis if you are switched to a generic medication or you live in Massachusetts or California.
If you’ve already been switched to generic fingolimod, it’s best to talk to your health care professional or pharmacist if you have questions related to your medication or treatment.


Is the GILENYA Go Program® still available?
The GILENYA Go Program is still available to those staying with branded GILENYA. What does this mean for you?
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We’re here to answer any questions you may have and can check your coverage and costs for branded GILENYA
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If eligible, you can continue to count on financial support from Novartis. GILENYA remains affordable, with a $0 co-pay* available
If you have any questions about GILENYA or what these changes may mean for you, feel free to call the GILENYA Go Program at 1‑800‑GILENYA (1-800-445-3692) and select #, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM ET, Mon–Fri (excludes public holidays).


Are there other financial assistance options besides the GILENYA Go Program?
The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (NPAF) is committed to providing access to Novartis medications for those most in need. If you are experiencing financial hardship and have limited or no prescription coverage, then you may be eligible to receive Novartis medications for free. If you have any questions, please call NPAF at 1-800-277-2254.


How can I tell if I received branded GILENYA or a generic?
Branded GILENYA (fingolimod) in the 0.5 mg dosage will come in a bottle that clearly states “GILENYA (fingolimod).” The capsules have a white, opaque body and bright yellow cap imprinted with “FTY 0.5 mg” on the cap and 2 radial bands imprinted on the capsule with yellow ink.
Branded GILENYA (fingolimod) in the 0.25 mg dosage will come in a bottle that clearly states “GILENYA (fingolimod).” The capsules have an ivory, opaque body and cap with a black radial imprint reading “FTY 0.25 mg” on the cap and a black radial band on the capsule body.
Generic fingolimod medications may look different. Your pharmacy or health care professional are the best people to reach out to for more information.


Will Novartis continue to make GILENYA?
Novartis is proud to have brought the first pill to help fight relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in adults to market over a decade ago. We will continue to offer GILENYA capsules for the treatment of RMS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in patients 10 years of age and older.
If you want to stay on branded GILENYA (fingolimod), reach out to your health care professional or your pharmacy, and let them know you prefer to stay on branded GILENYA, not a generic version.
We’re also pleased to offer other options for the treatment of RMS in adults. If you’d like to know more about another proven treatment from Novartis, visit rmstreatmentoption.com for more information. Make sure to include a health care professional in any discussion about your treatment.
Taking GILENYA
What if I’m noticing changes while on GILENYA?
If you are not noticing any changes while on GILENYA, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Novartis offers another treatment option that may work for you. Explore another treatment option.


Is there another Novartis treatment for RMS?
Novartis offers a portfolio of RMS treatments to provide people with the best possible care. Treatment options are available for adults with RMS. Wherever you are in your MS journey, talk to your doctor about the other RMS treatment options available. Explore one of our treatment options.


Should I keep GILENYA in the refrigerator?
Nope! No need—simply keep GILENYA in a dry, room-temperature (68 °F to 77 °F) place that’s out of reach of children.


I’m going to be traveling, how should I pack my GILENYA?
First off, make sure you have enough to get you through your time away and call in a refill if you’re short. If you’re traveling by plane, keep GILENYA in your carry-on so it doesn’t get lost along the way. For car journeys, just make sure GILENYA is kept in a spot that won’t get too hot.


What if I forget to take a dose?
Call your health care professional for advice if you miss a dose, or if you’re thinking about stopping treatment with GILENYA—it’s important that you don’t stop without talking to them first.


What if my insurance changes?
The GILENYA Go Program can get the scoop on your new coverage and find ways for you to save on GILENYA. Good news: GILENYA is covered by 96% of insurance plans!† Learn more about coverage for GILENYA.


How can I get support from the Go Program?
The Go Program is a support program designed for you. Once you’re prescribed GILENYA and your health care professional submits the Start Form, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the Go Program. If you are already taking GILENYA, you can receive dedicated, one-on-one ongoing support, information on your medication, and educational resources. Sign up today!
Call us at 1-800-GILENYA (1-800-445-3692), 8:00 AM–9:00 PM ET, Mon–Fri.‡
If you’re calling for your child between 10 and 17 years of age, you can call our dedicated parent line at 1-800-598-1410 during the hours above.


Are there ways to save on GILENYA?
Yes! You may be eligible for a $0 co-pay*—once you’re prescribed GILENYA, feel free to reach out to the Go Program to learn more, or sign up and see full terms and eligibility.
If you’re not eligible, there still may be ways to save on GILENYA. Call the Go Program or read more about financial support.
Starting GILENYA
I am ready to start GILENYA. How do I get started?
Tell your health care professional why you’re interested in GILENYA and ask them all your questions. Need help getting that conversation started? Use this Self-Assessment.


What’s a first-dose observation?
A first-dose observation (FDO) is monitoring done during your first day on GILENYA. Your health care professional can explain more about why it’s done and what to expect. It typically takes about 6 hours, and you can do stuff like read, work, or watch movies while the time passes. Learn more about starting GILENYA.


Where will my FDO happen?
At your health care professional’s office, at another medical facility, or in your own home—you and your health care professional will decide where’s best for you.
If you’re doing your FDO at home, here’s what you should know:
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The GILENYA@Home Medical Team will arrive and be with you for the entire observation. (Don’t worry, you don’t need to feed or entertain them!)
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Wearing a loose-fitting, comfortable shirt makes monitoring easier
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You can work from home, cook, or do light household tasks as long as you stay inside your house


What’s a specialty pharmacy?
Prescriptions for GILENYA are filled by specialty pharmacies. These pharmacies have a few perks:
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They support you in ways like answering your questions, making sure you always have enough GILENYA, and finding ways to help you save
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They deliver GILENYA right to your door so you can skip those long lines at the local pharmacy
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They work closely with your health care professional to help them manage your treatment plan


What should I know about GILENYA and family planning?
GILENYA may harm your unborn baby. Effective birth control should be used by people who may become pregnant while taking GILENYA and for at least 2 months after stopping. If you become pregnant or are thinking about trying to become pregnant, tell your health care professional right away.
A pregnancy registry is available for those who become pregnant during GILENYA treatment. Learn more by visiting www.gilenyapregnancyregistry.com.


I’m a new mom on GILENYA—anything I should know?
It’s not known if GILENYA passes through breast milk, so ask your health care professional about the best way to feed your baby.
GILENYA & COVID-19
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine boosters before starting GILENYA?
It’s understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine booster. Vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters, are an important part of public health. So, you should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines and vaccine boosters available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine or vaccine booster before starting GILENYA.
The GILENYA Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines or boosters; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with GILENYA.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers more information and guidance on COVID-19 and relapsing multiple sclerosis. Visit their website at nationalmssociety.org.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine boosters.


Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine boosters while taking GILENYA?
It’s understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine booster. Vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters, are an important part of public health. So, you should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines and vaccine boosters available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine or vaccine booster while taking GILENYA.
The GILENYA Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines or boosters; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with GILENYA.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers more information and guidance on COVID-19 and relapsing multiple sclerosis. Visit their website at nationalmssociety.org.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine boosters.


Are the available COVID-19 vaccines live or non-live?
Just like some other vaccines you may have received in the past, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the US as of March 2021 are non-live vaccines. That means the vaccines do not contain live virus and will not cause COVID-19 disease.


Are there any known risks of getting the COVID-19 vaccine while being treated with GILENYA?
The GILENYA Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with GILENYA. COVID-19 vaccines haven’t been specifically studied in people taking GILENYA. When we have more clinical information, we’ll reach out to both you and the health care community.
As always, your doctor will be the best person to talk to about your overall health concerns and to help make decisions about your treatment.


Where can I get more information about COVID-19 and vaccines for people with RMS?
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers information and guidance on COVID-19 for people living with RMS. Your doctor is also a trusted source for guidance on this topic.


Still have questions? Reach out to your health care professional or, if you’ve been prescribed GILENYA, call the Go Program at 1-800-GILENYA (1-800-445-3692), 8:00 AM–9:00 PM ET, Mon-Fri.‡
MS=multiple sclerosis; RMS=relapsing MS.
GO PROGRAM is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
†As of November 11, 2020. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation does not endorse any particular plan. Check with your individual health plans.
‡Excludes public holidays.
*Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. The Program includes the Co-pay Card, Payment Card (if applicable), and Rebate, with a combined annual limit up to $18,000. Patient is responsible for any costs once limit is reached in a calendar year. Program not valid (i) under Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, DoD, or any other federal or state health care program, (ii) where patient is not using insurance coverage at all, (iii) where the patient's insurance plan reimburses for the entire cost of the drug, or (iv) where product is not covered by patient's insurance. The value of this program is exclusively for the benefit of patients and is intended to be credited towards patient out-of-pocket obligations and maximums, including applicable co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Program is not valid where prohibited by law. Patient may not seek reimbursement for the value received from this program from other parties, including any health insurance program or plan, flexible spending account, or health care savings account. Patient is responsible for complying with any applicable limitations and requirements of their health plan related to the use of the Program. Valid only in the United States and Puerto Rico. This Program is not health insurance. Program may not be combined with any third-party rebate, coupon, or offer. Proof of purchase may be required. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.
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